News Release

Monday, December 29, 2008

Child Abduction Regional Emergency Alert Issued

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting that the media provide the public with the following information to assist law enforcement efforts in locating two missing children.

On December 23, 2008, at around 6 p.m., Angelica de la Barrera allowed her daughter, Jennifer Huapaya, to take her grandchildren out to dinner. Ms. Barrera has been taking care of the children in the Van Nuys area since Huapaya lost custody of her children several years ago.

When Huapaya did not return with the children several hours later, Ms. Barrera became concerned. On the morning of December 24, Ms. Barrera received a call from Huapaya advising that she had taken her children to Durango, Mexico.

Huapaya was last seen driving a black SUV, unknown license plate. She is 43 years of age with brown hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. A tattoo of “Gary” is on her left shoulder.

The abducted children are Ashley, 10, and Anthony Guarderas, 13. Ashley is 4 feet, 120 pounds and has a light complexion. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and pink pants. Anthony is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds. He is medium build and was wearing a white shirt and checkered shorts. He has spiked hair style.

A photograph of Huapaya is available though Media Relations Section.

Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to call Van Nuys Detective Richard Yep at 818-374-0040. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD. Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website, www.lapdonline.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous